Developing homeless shelters through public–private partnerships: The case of the Red Door Family Shelter in Toronto

Temporary housing programs (THPs) aim to serve the homeless population. This article explores the impacts of a THP, the Winter Interim Solution to Homelessness (WISH) in London, Canada, which applied a barrier-free, harm reduction model. Adopting an intersectional lens and interpretive description methodology, we analyzed data collected from WISH residents, utilizing a thematic analytic approach. Identified themes included: (1) “(It’s) kinda like a real home” (WISH is unlike other shelters); (2) “It’s like a buddy system” (A sense of community was fostered); (3) “It’s the same size as a jail cell” (Problems with infrastructure); (4) “To keep us on focus” (Un/supportive staff/volunteers); (5) “I’m not sure what I’m going to do after” (The dearth of permanent housing creates trauma); and (6) “Too much bloody money in too little hands” (Distrust of housing providers). Although WISH was helpful to some residents, the temporary nature of the program limited its long-term impact.

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Finding Mutual Benefit in Urban Development

Geva¹,

Siemiatycki

2023

Journal of the American Planning Association

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Developing homeless shelters through public–private partnerships: The case of the Red Door Family Shelter in Toronto

Cited by 5 publications

References 31 publications

The Social Environment of BioCities

The Social Environment of BioCities

A WISH to be Housed: Exploring the Winter Interim Solution to Homelessness (WISH) Temporary Accommodation Model in London, Canada

Finding Mutual Benefit in Urban Development

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